Data communication in an electronic device

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to an electronic device ( 10 ) and a method for data communication with such an electronic device. The electronic device combines, on the one hand, a Near Field Communication (NFC) interface, including an antenna and a circuit for generating a modulated electromagnetic wave, and on the other hand a user interface including a touch-sensitive display configured to present an object relating to a communication action executable by means of the NFC interface. A control unit connected to the NFC interface and the user interface, is configured to trigger the NFC interface to execute the communication action responsive to simultaneous detection of the presented object being touched and the NFC interface being in communicative connection with a second NFC interface of a second device.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to electronic devices, and means for datacommunication using electronic devices. More particularly, the inventionrelates to a user friendly solution for communicating data using anelectronic device with a Near Field Communication interface.

BACKGROUND

Digital mobile telephony has become one of the most important ways ofcommunicating, both for making voice calls and exchanging data. For themere purpose of exchanging data, network protocols have also evolved foruse by means of computers, e.g. in Wireless Local Area Networks (WLAN).

A system for short range radio communication between electronic deviceshas also been provided under the name Bluetooth™. Bluetooth is basicallya wireless personal area network technology, which is an open standardfor short-range transmission of digital voice and data betweenpredominantly mobile devices, and supports point-to-point and multipointapplications. Bluetooth typically provides up to 720 Kbps data transferwithin a range of 10 meters and up to 100 meters with a power boost.Bluetooth uses omni-directional radio waves that can transmit throughwalls and other non-metal barriers in the unlicensed 2.4 GHz band.

In recent years, a new technology for even shorter range communicationin the mobile telecommunications market has evolved, based on radiofrequency identification (RFID) and generally referred to as Near FieldCommunication (NFC). NFC has been characterized as the intuitive linkbetween consumer devices, and facilitates short-range communicationbetween electronic devices, such as mobile phones, Personal DigitalAssistants (PDA), computers and advanced consumer electronics, via afast and easy wireless connection. The NFC technology has been developedjointly by Royal Philips Electronics and Sony Corporation, and enablesconsumers to securely exchange and store all kinds of informationincluding ownership rights, credit card numbers, coupons, membershipmessages, pictures and MP3 files, simply by bringing two devices closetogether. NFC may act as a secure smart key for access to content andservices such as cashless payment, ticketing, online entertainment andaccess control, and can also be used to automatically configure andinitiate wireless connections under other protocols, such as Bluetoothor Wi-Fi, enabling devices to communicate at longer ranges or transferdata at higher rates.

Typically, NFC provides a contactless proximity interaction over a fewcentimeters which simplifies the issue of identification, as there isless confusion when devices can only connect with their immediateneighbors. A number of NFC trials are currently taking place around theglobe. Since December 2005, a major NFC trial has been underway at thePhilips Arena stadium in Atlanta, Ga., allowing sports fans to easilybuy goods at concession stands and apparel stores. Additionally they areable to access and download mobile content such as ring tones,wallpapers, screensavers and clips from favorite players and artists byholding their NFC-enabled phone in front of a poster embedded with anNFC tag.

NFC runs on the 13.56 MHz frequency band with a read and write range ofup to 10 centimeters. It operates at data rates of 106 kbits/s and 212kbits/s, although higher transmission speeds can be achieved betweendedicated NFC devices, initially up to 424 kbits/s with potential forhigher bit rates. As NFC devices can operate in an active or passivemode, the technology also offers a unique link to the contactless smartcard world as it is compatible with the broadly established contactlesssmart card infrastructure based on ISO 14443 A (i.e. Philips MIFARE®technology), as well as Sony's FeliCa™ card used for electronicticketing in public transport and for payment applications. It alsoallows mobile devices to communicate in passive mode, saving power andextending battery life. Targeted to become a widely adapted contactlessinfrastructure, NFC is already standardized according to globallyaccepted standardization bodies, such as ISO (18092), ECMA (340) andETSI. As is often the case with the devices sharing a single RF band,the communication is half-duplex. The devices implement the “listenbefore talk” policy—any device must first listen on the carrier andstart transmitting a signal only if no other device can be detectedtransmitting. Furthermore, the NFC protocol distinguishes between theInitiator and the Target of the communication. Any device may be eitheran Initiator or a Target. The Initiator, as follows from the name, isthe device that initiates and controls the exchange of data. The Targetis the device that answers the request from the Initiator. The NFCprotocol also distinguishes between two modes of operation: Active modeand Passive mode. All devices support both communication modes. Thedistinction is as follows:

In the Active mode of communication both devices generate their own RFfield to carry the data.

In the Passive mode of communication only one device generates the RFfield while the other device uses load modulation to transfer the data.The protocol specifies that the Initiator is the device responsible togenerate the RF field.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Many electronic devices of today are capable of exchanging data withother devices in several different ways. A mobile phone, for instance,is typically configured to communicates with a radio communicationsnetwork such as a WCDMA network, for voice calls and for downloading orstreaming data from content servers. A Bluetooth chip is often alsoincluded, enabling short range communication. NFC technology providesyet another means for communication using the same electronic device.Even though the different communication technologies are intended tosupplement each other, it may be difficult for the average user withlimited technical skills to appropriately handle an electronic device.

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a simple andintuitive solution for communicating data to or from an electronicdevices. According to a first aspect of the invention, the stated objectis fulfilled by means of an electronic device, comprising:

-   -   a Near Field Communication (NFC) interface, including an antenna        and a circuit for modulating an electromagnetic wave;    -   a user interface including a touch-sensitive display configured        to present an object relating to a communication action        executable by means of the NFC interface; and    -   a control unit connected to the NFC interface and the user        interface, configured to trigger the NFC interface to execute        the communication action responsive to simultaneous detection of        the presented object being touched and the NFC interface being        in communicative connection with a second NFC interface of a        second device.

In one embodiment, the user interface is configured to present aplurality of separate objects, where each of the objects are separatelytouchable on the display to execute the related communication action bymeans of the NFC interface.

In one embodiment, the objects represent different commands.

In one embodiment, the objects represent different data items.

In one embodiment, the same communication action is tied to each object,and wherein the control unit is configured to execute the communicationaction on the data item to which a touched object relates.

In one embodiment, the user interface comprises an indicator configuredto provide a visual signal responsive to the NFC interface being incommunicative connection with a second NFC interface of a second device.

In one embodiment, the user interface comprises an input key, activationof which triggers the user interface to present the plurality ofseparate objects on the display.

In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to trigger the userinterface to present the plurality of separate objects on the displayresponsive to the NFC interface establishing a communication connectionwith a second NFC interface.

In one embodiment, each one of the objects relate to a data item,wherein the control unit is configured to execute sending of a data itemto the second electronic device responsive to sensing touching of therelated object.

In one embodiment, the user interface is configured to present aplurality of pictures or icons, where each of the pictures or icons areseparately touchable on the display to execute sending of data relatedto the picture or icon by means of the NFC interface.

In one embodiment, the user interface is configured to present aplurality of command options, where each command option relates tosending of different types of data, wherein each of the command optionare separately touchable on the display to execute sending of datarelated to the command option by means of the NFC interface.

In one embodiment, the device is a mobile telephone.

In one embodiment, the second device is a mobile telephone.

In one embodiment, the second device is an NFC tag.

In one embodiment, the NFC interface comprises:

-   -   a modulator for sending data by modulating electromagnetic        waves.

In one embodiment, the NFC interface comprises:

-   -   an electromagnetic wave generator for forming a radio frequency        field, connected to the antenna;    -   a demodulator connected to the antenna for acquiring data        modulated in an electromagnetic wave.

In one embodiment, the antenna comprises a closed loop coil.

In one embodiment, the NFC interface is configured to operate in the13.56 MHz frequency band.

According to a second aspect of the invention, the stated object isfulfilled by means of a method for data communication in an electronicdevice, comprising the steps of:

-   -   providing an electronic device including a Near Field        Communication (NFC) interface with an antenna connected to a        circuit for modulating an electromagnetic wave, and a user        interface comprising a touch-sensitive display;    -   positioning the NFC interface within communication range of a        second NFC interface of a second device;    -   presenting an object, relating to a communication action        executable by means of the NFC interface, on the display;    -   sensing touching of the presented object; and    -   executing the communication action responsive to simultaneously        detecting touching of the presented object and a present        communicative connection between the NFC interface and the        second NFC interface.

In one embodiment, the method comprises the steps of:

-   -   presenting a plurality of separate objects, where each of the        objects are separately touchable on the display to execute the        related communication action by means of the NFC interface.

In one embodiment, the objects represent different commands.

In one embodiment, the objects represent different data items.

In one embodiment, wherein the same communication action is tied to eachobject, the method comprises the steps of:

-   -   executing the communication action on the data item to which a        touched object relates.

In one embodiment, the method comprises the step of:

-   -   visually indicating that the NFC interface is in communicative        connection with the second NFC interface.

In one embodiment, the method comprises the step of:

-   -   presenting the plurality of separate objects on the display        responsive to sensing activation of an input key.

In one embodiment, the method comprises the step of:

-   -   presenting the plurality of separate objects on the display        responsive to the NFC interface establishing a communication        connection with the second NFC interface.

In one embodiment, wherein each one of the objects relate to a dataitem, the method comprises the step of:

-   -   sending a data item to the second electronic device responsive        to sensing touching of the related object.

In one embodiment, the method comprises the steps of:

-   -   presenting a plurality of command options, where each command        option relates to sending of different types of data;    -   sending data related to the command option by means of the NFC        interface, responsive to detecting touching of the related        command option.

In one embodiment, the device is a mobile telephone.

In one embodiment, the second device is a mobile telephone.

In one embodiment, the second device is an NFC tag.

In one embodiment, the NFC interface operates in the 13.56 MHz frequencyband.

In one embodiment, the NFC tag comprises a microchip connected to a tagantenna.

The subject matter of the aforementioned embodiments may also becombined.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features and advantages of the present invention will be moreapparent from the following description of preferred embodiments withreference to the accompanying drawings, on which

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates an electronic device with NFCcapabilities positioned within communicative range of a second NFCdevice, where different objects of a common data type which may be sentby NFC are presented on a touch-sensitive display;

FIG. 2 schematically illustrates an electronic device with NFCcapabilities positioned within communicative range of a second NFCdevice, where different objects representing different commandsexecutable by means of NFC are presented on a touch-sensitive display;and

FIG. 3 schematically illustrates an electronic device by means of ablock diagram, showing functional elements of an embodiment of theinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention relates to communication of data in electronicdevices, including sending and acquiring data. The electronic device assuch may take the shape of e.g. a personal computer, a digital camera, amedia player, or a PDA. However, as a best mode of the inventionpresently known, the invention will mainly be described herein asincorporated in the field of telecommunications, and the electronicdevice will therefore occasionally be referred to as a mobile phone. Itshould be noted, though, that the borders between what can be considereda mobile phone, a portable laptop computer, a PDA, becomes less and lessclear since many electronic devices include corresponding functions,even though focus is on different functionalities in the differentcategories of electronic devices. Furthermore, it should be emphasizedthat the term comprising or comprises, when used in this description andin the appended claims to indicate included features, elements or steps,is in no way to be interpreted as excluding the presence of otherfeatures elements or steps than those expressly stated.

Exemplary embodiments will now be described with references made to theaccompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a pair of electronic devices 10, 30 inthe form of mobile phones, the one to the left being electronic device10. Details of the mobile phone 10 as such are of little importance tothe invention, but for the sake of clarity it should be mentioned thatphone 10 comprises a support structure 11 including a chassis and acover, directly or indirectly supporting the other components of theterminal. Phone 10 is further devised with a user interface comprising akeypad 12 and a touch-sensitive display 13, as well as a microphone 14and a speaker 15. Though not shown in FIG. 1, phone 10 further comprisesa signal transceiver, including an antenna and radio transmission andreception electronics, for communicative connection to a base station ofa communications network, such as a WCDMA network. A power supply ispreferably included in phone 10 in the form of a battery, and a cablesocket for connection to a mains outlet via a transformer. Phone 10 isalso devised with a computer system, including a microprocessor withassociated memory and software, configured to carry out the tasks ofsignal processing and data handling in the phone. All of these featuresare, as such, well known in the field of telecommunication devices.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram, schematically representing mobile phone 10 ofFIG. 1. A control unit 16 represents the microprocessor of the computersystem configured to control the processes carried out within mobilephone 10. In order for a user to control and monitor the processescarried out under control of control unit 16, the user interface,including keypad 12, display 13, microphone 14 and speaker 15, iscommunicatively connected to control unit 16. A data memory 19 is alsoconnected to control unit 16, for storing data code in filesrepresenting e.g. images, games, music, video and so on. In the presentembodiment, where the electronic device is a mobile phone, control unit16 is also connected to a signal transceiver 20, e.g. including anantenna for wireless communication with a base station in a radionetwork.

In accordance with the invention, the electronic device here provided inthe shape of mobile phone 10 further comprises a contact-free near fieldcommunication interface, using electromagnetic waves. The embodimentsdescribed herein make use of the Near Field Communication (NFC)technology referred to above. The NFC technology is as such standardizedand described in the related literature, and will therefore not bedescribed in detail herein, as it lies within the field of knowledge ofthe skilled person. However, it may be mentioned that the publishedEuropean patent application EP 1 431 904 A2 describes both the functionand structure of an NFC apparatus, including how an NFC apparatus isconfigured to communicate data with another NFC apparatus, which may bean NFC tag, by transmitting an electromagnetic wave signal using anantenna, and by detecting a modulated electromagnetic wave signalreceived in response from the NFC tag. For this reason, EP 1 431 904 A2is incorporated herein by reference.

In order to carry out near field communication, the NFC interface ofphone 10 therefore comprises an antenna 18 devised for transmission andreception of electromagnetic waves, connected to a circuit 17. Circuit17 comprises an electromagnetic wave generator for forming a radiofrequency field, connected to the antenna, and a modulator connected tothe antenna 18, for sending data by modulating electromagnetic waves.The circuit 17 may also comprise a demodulator connected to the antennafor acquiring data modulated in an electromagnetic wave. The specificstructure and function of the NFC interface circuitry is not crucial tothe present invention, but the NFC interface may e.g. be configured inaccordance with the previously mentioned RFID, MIFARE or FeliCatechnologies. Antenna 18 is preferably a closed loop coil, asillustrated. The NFC interface is usable for interacting with externalNFC devices placed in proximity to antenna 18, such as below phone 10 orbeside phone 10 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

The invention relates to combined use of the user interface and thecommunication interface of an electronic device, here embodied as mobilephone 10. As previously noted, modern day mobile phones are oftenequipped to provide communication capabilities for interaction in manydifferent communication systems, including long range radiocommunication in a radio network, such as a WCDMA or GSM network,Bluetooth for direct short range communication with other devices,possibly WLAN communication, as well as being devised for near fieldcommunication. The different communication protocols are suitable fordifferent purposes, and new means for communication are continuouslydeveloped. NFC has a benefit in its short range, typically 0-20 cm, inthat it is generally clear which two devices are arranged tocommunicate. NFC is a powerful technology for natural interaction bygestures. However, it is not always obvious to a user what will happenwhen touching or approaching an NFC tag or another electronic deviceequipped with an NFC interface. For one thing, there are many differentactions that can be performed on a certain object. For instance, when apicture is shown on display 13, does positioning of the phones NFCinterface adjacent to another devices NFC interface mean Send or Move orShow Temporarily or Hand Over Slideshow Control, etc? As anotherexample, there may be several different objects shown on display 13,e.g. a plurality of pictures. Even if the action to carry out, such asSend, has been made clear by means of an input command, it is still notobvious which picture should be sent.

In accordance with the invention, this general problem is solved bycombining the detection of a present NFC connection with another NFCdevice, with simultaneous detection of a command entered on thetouch-sensitive display 13, as a trigger to execute an NFC communicationaction.

FIG. 1 illustrates a scenario according to an embodiment of theinvention, where phone 10 is placed in contact with or adjacent to asecond NFC device 30. In the drawings, second NFC device 30 is alsoillustrated as a mobile phone, but it should be noted that second device30 may be any kind of electronic device containing an NFC interface, andeven a simple NFC tag. Second electronic device 30 will therefore not bedescribed in any greater detail. The embodiment of FIG. 1 relates to asharing scenario where the user of phone 10 wants to send a picture tosecond device 30. A plurality of objects 131-134, in this case pictures,are shown on display 13. In the illustrated embodiment there are fourpictures shown but there may of course be more or less than that. Thedisplaying of these pictures may be activated responsive to the NFCinterface 17, 18 detecting the presence of second device 30, whereindisplaying of images stored in a memory 19 is set as a default action tobe carried out when a second NFC device is detected. Alternatively, acommand has been entered by the user of phone 10, by means of an inputkey of keypad 12 or on touch-sensitive display 13, to display allpictures of memory 19, or all pictures of a certain folder in memory 19.In a state of the art mobile phone, there are a number of differentactions that may be carried out when one or more pictures are shown ondisplay 13. Using a soft key function, you may e.g. edit the picture,rename it, use it as background, send it and so on. In the presentembodiment, though, the simultaneous presentation of the pictures anddetection of an established communication link to second device 30,renders a predetermined executable action to be ready to be carried out,and preferably also presentation of a label 135 on display 13 indicatingthe action, namely Send Picture. By touching e.g. object 131, the firstpicture, on display 13 while an established communication link to seconddevice 30 is detected, the NFC interface is triggered to execute thecommand on that object, i.e. to send picture 131. In a state of the artsolution for handling pictures in a mobile phone, an input send commandis followed by the user being presented a menu with different selectablecommunication means, such as email, MMS, Bluetooth, IR, and so on. Inaccordance with the presented embodiment of the invention, this step isno longer necessary in the presence of a second NFC device 30, as NFCwill automatically be selected. Furthermore, NFC has been proposed tooperate with focus on performing automatic communication tasks when anNFC device is placed in communication range with a second NFC device,for sending or downloading of data. This may not be appropriate whenthere are many data items, such as pictures, that may be shared, and theuser only wants to share one or a few of those objects. As opposed tothese prior art procedures, simultaneous touching of the intended object131 and detection of a communicative connection acts as a confirmationprocess that data representing that object is to be sent using NFC tothe currently connected second device 30. The preferred embodiment ofthis invention involves the presentation of a plurality of objects whichare separately selectable by touching, as shown in FIG. 1, but theinvention also works with only one presented object. The embodiment ofFIG. 1 has been described for pictures, but may of course as work justas well for other types of data items, such as games, ring tones, videoclips and so on, which are then preferably represented by objects in theform of icons or labels.

FIG. 2 illustrates a second embodiment, in which display 13 is filledwith a plurality of different objects 231-234 representing differentcommands. Again, it may be a default setting that this screen is to bepresented when a second NFC device 30 is detected to be in communicativeconnection with phone 10. Alternatively, this screen may be selected bymeans of a separate command entered by a user of phone 10 using an inputkey. The different objects preferably represent some of the mostcommonly used commands for use in near field communications. As anexample, object 231 may represent music, and include a label stating“Share Favorite Music”. Simultaneous touching of object 231 anddetection of a present communicative connection between the NFCinterface of phone 10 with a second NFC device 30 will then triggersending of a music file or playlist stored in memory 19 to the currentlyconnected second device 30 using NFC. A second object 232 may representa business card, and include a label stating “Send Business Card”.Simultaneous touching of object 232 and detection of a presentcommunicative connection between the NFC interface of phone 10 with asecond NFC device 30 will then trigger sending of an electronic businesscard for the user of phone 10 to the currently connected second device30 using NFC. Other possible objects presentable in a common screen mayrepresent commands such as share a contact, a picture, or a ring signaletc, touching of which may lead to a list where a certain item withinthe category in question may be selected by touching or by using anavigation tool, which contact is then sent to the second device 30using NFC. In another embodiment, though, the commands represented inthe presented objects are all specific, meaning that one touch of acommand uniquely identifies and triggers the action to be executedwithout having to make a new selection. A label 235 may also bepresented, in this case Command, on display 13.

In order to indicate that there is an established communicationconnection between phone 10 and second device 30, a visual indicator maybe employed, functioning to provide a visual indication of an ongoingconnection. Such a visual indication may be given by a separate photodiode on phone 10 (not shown), or by an indication on display 13.

By combining a touch-sensitive display function with detection of NFCcommunication connection, the ease of use of NFC communication isenhanced. Making e.g. a plurality of selectable commands visible on thedisplay decreases the invisibility of NFC interaction, so that the userwill sure of what actually happens in the interaction with another NFCdevice. Furthermore, there will be fewer accidental interactions whenthe phone is positioned in communication range with other NFC devices,since the user needs to touch an object on the screen to trigger acommunication action. This increases the control over the near fieldcommunication process. Furthermore, the present invention provides theease of use sought for by the market, in a time where different types ofdata communication not only provides extended capabilities but alsorequires a higher degree of knowledge from the users.

The principles of the present invention have been described in theforegoing by examples of embodiments or modes of operations. However,the invention is not limited to the particular embodiments discussedabove, which should be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive,and it should be appreciated that variations may be made in thoseembodiments by persons skilled in the art, without departing from thescope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

I claim:
 1. An electronic device, comprising: a Near Field Communication(NFC) interface, including an antenna and a circuit for generating amodulated electromagnetic wave; a user interface including atouch-sensitive display configured to present an object relating to apredetermined communication action executable by the NFC interface; anda control unit connected to the NFC interface and the user interface,the control unit is configured to detect, as a user confirmation toundertake the predetermined communication action, simultaneous touchingof the presented object on the touch-sensitive display and the NFCinterface being in communicative connection with a second NFC interfaceof a second device, and the control unit is configured to trigger theNFC interface to execute the predetermined communication action when thedetection of the simultaneous touching and communicative connection ismade, wherein the user interface is configured to present a plurality ofseparate objects, where each of the objects are separately touchable onthe display to execute the related communication action by the NFCinterface, wherein the user interface is configured to provide a visualsignal indicating that the NFC interface is in communicative connectionwith a second NFC interface of a second device, and wherein theplurality of separate objects presented by the user interface comprise aplurality of selectable commands visually identifying; a particulardevice with which the selectable command is associated; and an objecttransferred to the particular device upon execution, wherein the NFCinterface is in communicative connection with the particular device. 2.The electronic device of claim 1, where the objects represent differentcommands.
 3. The electronic device of claim 1, where the objectsrepresent different data items stored by a memory of the electronicdevice.
 4. The electronic device of claim 3, wherein the samecommunication action is tied to each object, and wherein the controlunit is configured to execute the communication action on the data itemto which a touched object relates.
 5. The electronic device of claim 1,wherein the user interface comprises an input key, activation of whichtriggers the user interface to present the plurality of separate objectson the display.
 6. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the controlunit is configured to trigger the user interface to present theplurality of separate objects on the display as a default actionresponsive to the NFC interface establishing a communication connectionwith a second NFC interface.
 7. The electronic device of claim 1,wherein each one of the objects relate to a data item stored in a memoryof the electronic device, wherein the control unit is configured toexecute sending of the data item corresponding to the touched object tothe second electronic device as the predetermined communication action.8. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the user interface isconfigured to present a plurality of pictures or icons, where each ofthe pictures or icons are separately touchable on the display to executesending of data related to the picture or icon by means of the NFCinterface.
 9. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the userinterface is configured to present a plurality of command options, whereeach command option relates to sending of different types of data,wherein each of the command option are separately touchable on thedisplay to execute sending of data related to the command option bymeans of the NFC interface.
 10. The electronic device of claim 1,wherein the device is a mobile telephone.
 11. The electronic device ofclaim 1, wherein the second device is a mobile telephone.
 12. Theelectronic device of claim 1, where the second device is an NFC tag. 13.The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the NFC interface comprises:an electromagnetic wave generator for forming a radio frequency field,connected to the antenna; a demodulator connected to the antenna foracquiring data modulated in an electromagnetic wave.
 14. The electronicdevice of claim 1, wherein the antenna comprises a closed loop coil. 15.The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the NFC interface isconfigured to operate in the 13.56 MHz frequency band.
 16. A method fordata communication in an electronic device, comprising the steps of:providing an electronic device including a Near Field Communication(NFC) interface with an antenna connected to a circuit for modulating anelectromagnetic wave, and a user interface comprising a touch-sensitivedisplay; positioning the NFC interface within communication range of asecond NFC interface of a second device; presenting an object, relatingto a predetermined communication action executable by means of the NFCinterface, on the display; sensing as a user confirmation to undertakethe predetermined communication action, simultaneous touching on thetouch-sensitive display of the presented object and the NFC interfacebeing in communicative connection with a second NFC interface of asecond device; provide via the user interface a visual signal indicatingthat the NFC interface is in communicative connection with the secondNFC interface of the second device; executing the predeterminedcommunication when the detection of the simultaneous touching andcommunicative connection is made; and presenting a plurality of separateobjects, where each of the objects are separately touchable on thedisplay to execute the related communication action by means of the NFCinterface, wherein the presented plurality of separate objects comprisea plurality of selectable commands visually identifying; a particulardevice with which the selectable command is associated; and an objecttransferred to the particular device upon execution, wherein the NFCinterface is in communicative connection with the particular device. 17.The method of claim 16, where the objects represent different commands.18. The method of claim 16, where the objects represent different dataitems stored by a memory of the electronic device.
 19. The method ofclaim 18, wherein the same communication action is tied to each object,comprising the steps of: executing the communication action on the dataitem to which a touched object relates.
 20. The method of claim 16,comprising the step of: visually indicating that the NFC interface is incommunicative connection with the second NFC interface.
 21. The methoddevice of claim 16, comprising the step of: presenting the plurality ofseparate objects on the display responsive to sensing activation of aninput key.
 22. The method of claim 16, comprising the step of:presenting the plurality of separate objects on the display as a defaultaction responsive to the NFC interface establishing a communicationconnection with the second NFC interface.
 23. The method of claim 16,wherein each one of the objects relate to a data item stored in a memoryof the electronic device, comprising the step of: sending the data itemcorresponding to the touched object to the second electronic device asthe predetermined communication action.
 24. The method of claim 16,comprising the steps of: presenting a plurality of command options,where each command option relates to sending of different types of data;sending data related to the command option by means of the NFCinterface, responsive to detecting touching of the related commandoption.
 25. The method of claim 16, wherein the device is a mobiletelephone.
 26. The method of claim 16, wherein the second device is amobile telephone.
 27. The method of claim 16, where the second device isan NFC tag.
 28. The method of claim 16, wherein the NFC interfaceoperates in the 13.56 MHz frequency band.